Rh-Catalyzed C–H Alkynylation of Indole Derivatives with Silver(I)-Controlled Regiodivergence

Abstract

We have disclosed silver(I)-induced switching of regioselectivity in rhodium-catalyzed C−H alkynylation of indole derivatives with the help of a pivaloyl directing group by tuning C−H metalation modes. The judicious choice of AgOAc, Ag 2 O, and Ag 2 CO 3 affords an array of C2-alkynylated indoles, C4-alkynylated indoles, and C2,C4-dialkynylated indoles, respectively. The synthetic utility of the alkyne fragment is demonstrated by derivatization into valuable indole-based compounds.